by Kirby Lindsay, posted 18 July 2011
At Dusty Strings, “what we want to do is draw kids away from their television and video games, and get real instruments in their hands,” explained Adam Burdick, the Music School Director, “and it’s not just the kids.”
For people who feel stuck in the world of the screen, Dusty Strings offers another option for you – and your kids. This summer, consider taking some social interaction time at a jam session.
On Saturday, July 23rd, Dusty Strings hosts two of their jams – the Kids Jams from 10:30a – 11:45a, led by Erie Jones, and the Bluegrass Jams from 3:30p – 5:30p, led by Rob Bulkley. The Uke Jams happen on the third Sunday of each month, led by Sunga Rose, with the next one on August 21st from 2:30p – 4p.
“The people who tend to show up for these things,” explained Bulkley, “tend to be very nice people.” The sessions, Burdick said, “give real face-to-face time,” for those interested in making their music social. Jamming stresses cooperation, encourages risk taking (and learning new music and/or styles,) provides a great vehicle outside of performing – and doesn’t require the musician (or aspiring musician) to establish a band in order to play.
Kids Jams
For parents, the skills built through jam sessions may be their draw. With Jones leading, the kids will still probably just think of it as a fun way to be musical.
Jones, an experienced music teacher who has led similar groups at Seattle Schools for the last eight years, also teaches at Dusty Strings Music School. He brings experience with percussion circles, marimba and steel pan ensembles, vocal work, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, songwriting, and audio recording to his sessions, intended for children ages 7 – 12.
“They’ll get some direction and pointers,” explained Jones by e-mail, “but it’s not really an instruction class. They DO get to, and are encouraged to, experiment, try variations, try some improvisation, stretch themselves out. They also get to experience new material and learn about arrangements and how different parts might fit together (including singing.)”
The children should have some experience making music, and be able to follow the goals of the group. Participants play familiar pieces, and Jones encourages them to try blues, folk, jazz, R&B, world music, and rock and pop songs. Kids that like to sing can join in, and those without a specific instrument will be provided with a selection of percussion instruments including claves, shaker, bell, guiro, washboard, and more.
Uke Jams
For those looking to learn an instrument, and get jamming, the ukulele may be the answer. “A lot of songs played on the ukulele aren’t that difficult,” Burdick acknowledged, “people take fewer lessons,” than with the guitar, “before they can go out and play. It’s much more immediate. It’s a social instrument.”
Host Sunga Rose occasionally offers a uke workshop before the jam session. An accomplished singer, ukulele-strummer, band leader (with Miss Rose & Her Rhythm Percolators, among others) and teacher, Rose can also tap into a variety of genres for the group to play, including vintage jazz, old-time, folk, and Hawaiian.
Bluegrass Jams
Burdick has commented frequently on the need for a consistent, skilled leader for the Jams. “The main reason,” he wrote, that the Bluegrass Jams “are going so well is Rob Bulkley.” Bulkley, a Dusty Strings teacher, also plays guitar and sings with The Howdy Boys. He has participated in, and led, jam sessions since at least 1973, and Bulkley offers a bluegrass jam class, through Dusty Strings, for those who need a little guidance before jumping into a jam.
“I think the great thing about the jam,” said Bulkley, is it’s “an interesting social outlet. People are there for a common purpose.” Participants come, drawn by the music, but often develop relationships – and even bands – out of the gatherings.
Old-Time Jams
The Old-Time Jams have gone on hiatus this summer, Burdick explained. The regular session had some schedule conflicts up-coming, including a popular old-time gathering, Fiddle Tunes. Yet, Burdick also acknowledged that the temporary suspension may give them time to find a leader for these sessions. Burdick frequently credited Bulkley, Rose and Jones with making the sessions dependable, functional and fun.
Why Jams?
Dusty Strings, according to Burdick, focuses on classes and jams that will bring people together. Often those who chose to take up an instrument don’t think about playing with others, Burdick explained, while a jam encourages them, after learning how to play, how to play with others.
“We’ve learned that the people who play music together, with others in a social atmosphere, are the people who keep playing,” explained Burdick. “It’s an important part of our mission – that we want people to be participants in music, not just spectators.”
To maintain a mutually supportive environment, Burdick referenced a set of informal rules for jam sessions – specifically bluegrass jams – referred to as The 10 Jam-mandments. “There are different versions of the same thing,” referenced on various websites, crediting various sources, he joked, “like folk music.”
So, why not give it a try – what have you got to lose? Certainly the $5 suggested donation – that goes to the jam session leader – should be no deterrent.
For those aged 7 – 12, check out the Kids Jams on July 23, August 6th and August 20th, from 10:30a – 11:45a.
For those of all ages, join the Uke Jams, held on the 3rd Sunday of each month, from 2:30p – 4p.
For those who love of bluegrass – or want to give it a good taste – show up on 4th Saturday of each month, from 3:30p – 5:30p.
All the jams take place at Dusty Strings. For more information, including an update status on the Old-Time Jams, check the Dusty Strings website – or call the store at 206/634-1662.
“There are lots of ways to experience jam sessions,” Bulkley encouraged, “to be part of the overall sound.” Ultimately, he declared, “Do it! Learn the basics. Learn some chords, a few songs, and learn the rhythm,” then, come play!
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©2011 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.